Elevated storage for transportation and storage of food items

ABSTRACT

The elevated storage device protects food items from external elements during their storage and transport. The elevated storage device may comprise a base, one or more wheels, and a protective cover. The wheels allow the elevated storage device to be easily moved. In one embodiment, a hitch is attached to the base to allow the elevated storage device to be moved by a vehicle, person, or animal. The protective cover may comprise one or more layers of material, such as wire mesh or fabric, which form a compartment to protect food items from external elements, and may be supported by a skeleton. The protective cover may have one or more openings to allow food items to be placed therein and removed therefrom. In one embodiment, the protective cover is triangular in shape to better protect food items from weather such as rain and snow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the transportation and storage of food itemsand specifically to a novel elevated storage device for transporting andstoring one or more food items.

2. Related Art

Storage of food items can be a complex and expensive process.Traditional storage facilities are often designed for the storage andtransportation of relatively large quantities of food items. Thus, theyare not well suited for storing smaller quantities of food items likethose associated with individuals or small businesses. Similarly,traditional storage facilities are generally not configured to allowfood items to be easily transported from one location to another as fooditems must first be removed from the storage facility and placed in avehicle for transport.

In many cases, the purchase or lease of a warehouse would not beappropriate in terms of size and cost for the storage of an individual'sfood items. An individual may of course use consumer storage facilitiesto store and transport food items. However, this may be insufficient.For example, food items may be stored in an individual's personalproperty, such as a room of their home or other dwelling or even astorage unit. However, this may not adequately protect the food itemsand is inconvenient due to the space requirements for the items.

Transporting food items with one's personal vehicle or even a rentalvehicle may not be desirable especially for long distances. This isprimarily because these vehicles are not designed to protect food items.Also, the storage of food items in a personal vehicle is inconvenientdue to the space requirements for the items.

In addition, transportation and storage of food items traditionallyrequires a transport mechanism, such as a vehicle, as well as a storagemechanism, such as a storage facility. These separate mechanisms addadditional cost and labor to the storage and transport of food items.

Thus, what is provided herein is a novel container elevated storagedevice for the storage and convenient transport of food items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An elevated storage device for storage and transport of food items isprovided herein. The elevated storage device protects the food itemsallowing them to be stored for long periods. In addition the food itemsare protected during transport and do not have to be unloaded forstorage because they may be safely stored in the elevated storagedevice. It is contemplated that items other than food items may bestored and transported by the elevated storage device if desired.

In one embodiment, the elevated storage device comprises a basecomprising a rigid frame, one or more wheels attached to the base, atleast one hitch attached to the base, and a storage compartment. Thestorage compartment may comprise a triangular skeleton and a protectivecover around the triangular skeleton, and may also be attached to thebase. The protective cover may comprise an opening to allow access tothe closed compartment for loading and unloading food items.

The protective cover may comprise one or more layers of material. Forexample, the protective cover may comprise an inner and outer layer, theinner layer being a flexible layer and the outer layer being a rigidmesh layer. The protective cover may also comprise an inner and outerlayer where the inner layer is a fabric layer and the outer layer beingis wire mesh layer. The protective cover may also comprise at least oneinsulating layer in one or more embodiments.

In one embodiment, the elevated storage device may comprise a skeleton,a protective cover around the skeleton, a base configured to support theskeleton and the protective cover whereby at least a portion of theprotective cover is between the skeleton and the base, one or morewheels attached to the base, and at least one hitch attached to thebase. The skeleton may have various shapes such as a triangular orsemicircular shape in one or more embodiments. The protective cover willtypically, but not always, have opening to allow one or more food itemsto be placed on the base of the elevated storage device.

Similar to the above, the protective cover here may also comprise one ormore layers of material. For example, the protective cover may comprisea fabric layer and a rigid mesh layer. In addition, the protective covermay comprise a waterproof layer and a rigid mesh layer. Further, theprotective cover may comprise an insulating layer and a rigid meshlayer. It is contemplated that the protective cover may comprise anoutermost layer, the outermost layer being a wire mesh layer in one ormore embodiments.

The elevated storage device may include a conveyer system to automateloading and unloading of the elevated storage device. In one embodimentthe elevated storage device further comprises one or more guides havingone or more channels, and a conveyer system comprising a plurality ofrollers and a conveyer belt, the conveyer system retained in the one ormore channels of the one or more guides. Typically, but not always, theone or more guides will be attached below the base.

A method for storing and transporting food items with an elevatedstorage device is also provided. In one embodiment the method comprisesproviding access to an interior portion of a protective cover by openingone or more layers of the protective cover, moving one or more fooditems to an elevated position corresponding to the base of the elevatedstorage device, placing one or more food items within the interiorportion of the protective cover whereby the one or more food items areplaced on top of at least a portion of the protective cover and thebase, and closing the one or more layers of the protective cover suchthat the one or more food items are surrounded by the protective cover.

Depending on the embodiment, opening the one or more layers of theprotective cover may comprise various steps. For example, opening theone or more layers of the protective cover may comprise opening a rigidmesh layer of the protective cover and a flexible layer of theprotective cover. In addition, opening the one or more layers of theprotective cover may comprise opening a wire mesh layer of theprotective cover and a fabric layer of the protective cover. Further,opening the one or more layers of the protective cover may compriseopening an insulating layer of the protective cover.

The elevated storage device may be moved according to the method aswell. For instance, in one embodiment, the method may include attachinga hitch of the elevated storage device to a vehicle, moving the elevatedstorage device to a delivery location, opening one or more layers of theprotective cover to access the one or more food items, and removing theone or more food items.

Once delivered or when desired, food items may be removed from theelevated storage device according to the method. In one embodiment themethod may include removing the protective cover from a supportingskeleton, inserting the skeleton into a new protective cover comprisingat least one distinct layer whereby the at least one distinct layer isdifferent from one or more of the one or more layers of the protectivecover, and attaching the new protective cover to the base of theelevated storage device.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an elevatedstorage device;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a base and top of an exemplary elevatedstorage device;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a base and open top of an exemplaryelevated storage device;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a frame of an exemplary elevatedstorage device;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a single wheel and two hitchconfiguration of an exemplary elevated storage device;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a two wheel and single hitchconfiguration of an exemplary elevated storage device;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a four wheel and single hitchconfiguration of an exemplary elevated storage device;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the layers of an exemplaryprotective cover;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an open protective cover of anexemplary elevated storage device;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a closed protective cover of anexemplary elevated storage device;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a skeleton of an exemplary elevatedstorage device;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a retracted conveyer system of anexemplary elevated storage device;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an extended conveyer system of anexemplary elevated storage device; and

FIG. 6C is a front cross section view of a conveyer system of anexemplary elevated storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In one or more embodiments, the elevated storage device herein providesprotection, mobility, or both to one or more food items. As used herein,food items refers to edible matter. It is contemplated that the elevatedstorage device will be typically, but not always, configured to storefood items comprising biological or natural material such as foodproducts or other agricultural products. For example, some of the fooditems that may be transported and stored include but are not limited toas grain, wheat, barley, rye, maize, or rice, and potatoes. The fooditems may be transported and stored within an elevated storage device intheir own packaging such as but not limited to sacks, boxes, bags, andcrates. It is noted that non-food items may also be stored andtransported with the elevated storage device herein as well.

Food items are vulnerable to a variety of external elements. Forexample, food items may rot, decay, or otherwise degrade when exposed tohigh humidity, heat, cold, or rain. Food items comprising biologicalmaterial may be vulnerable to vermin, insects, rodents, or other animallife. In addition, these types of food items provide a nutrition sourcefor other life forms, including mold and bacteria which can rapidlydestroy a food item. The fact that the food items may be food productsonly increases the risk of damage to the items as it serves to attractdestructive forces seeking a source of food. Worse yet, contamination ofa portion of the food items may render all the food items undesirable,unusable, or even hazardous for human consumption.

In general, the elevated storage device protects food items by providingphysical barriers to external elements which may damage the items. Theelevated storage device also stores food items at an elevated positionabove the ground. This protects the food items from water damage thatwould ordinarily occur if the food items were stored low to the ground.It is contemplated that the elevated storage device may be configuredsuch that food items are stored several feet off the ground. In thismanner, food items may be protected even from large floods.Additionally, as will be discussed below, the elevated storage deviceallows food items to be transported while the food items remainprotected. In this manner, the elevated storage device may provide bothtransportation and storage of food items in a convenient manner.

This is advantageous to individuals, small business, and others whichmay not have the quantities of food items sufficient to justifyspecialized equipment for the transport and storage of food items. Infact, the elevated storage device is very well suited for individuals,government entities, and small businesses having food items too numerousto be adequately stored or transported by make shift or consumer gradetransportation and storage mechanisms.

To illustrate, a small farmer or distributor may produce a quantity ofgrain (or other food items) that is difficult to transport, let alonestore, in his or her personal vehicle(s). Rather than purchase or leasea specially designed vehicle and storage facility, the small farmer mayutilize the elevated storage device herein to safely store the grain (orother food items) conveniently and inexpensively.

It is contemplated that the elevated storage device may also beadvantageous to larger businesses and others who have large quantitiesof food items. This is because a plurality of elevated storage devicesmay be used to store and transport large quantities of food items aswill be described further below. The plurality of elevated storagedevices, when combined, may be used as a warehouse to store numerousfood items.

The elevated storage device will now be described with regard to thefigures. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary elevated storage devicecomprising a base 104, one or more wheels 108, and a protective cover112. In one or more embodiments, the elevated storage device may includea hitch which allows the trailer to be pulled or otherwise moved. Aswill be described further below, the protective cover 112 may be used toprotect the food items, while the one or more wheels 108 and hitch 316allow the food items to be easily transported.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate various embodiments of a base 104 for theelevated storage device. The base 104 generally provides a structure towhich other elements of an elevated storage device may be attached. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, the protective cover 112, hitch 316, andwheels 108 are supported by the base 104. The base 104 also provides astructure which supports the one or more food items a user desires toplace in the elevated storage device.

Typically, the base 104 will be constructed from one or more rigidmaterials to give the base 104 a rigid structure capable of supportingits elements as well as the food items. The rigid structure of the base104 also may allow the elevated storage device to transport food itemsacross rough terrain. In addition, the rigid structure adds to thereliability of the elevated storage device.

In one embodiment, the base 104 may be constructed from one or moremetals. Typically, but not always, steel will be used to construct thebase 104. It will be understood that other suitably rigid materials,such as but not limited to wood, plastic, carbon fiber, alloys, or acombination thereof may be used. It is noted that the material chosenmay depend on the environment the elevated storage device is to be usedin. For example, in high humidity areas, a rust resistant material maybe used. The material chosen may also depend on the intended load of theelevated storage device. For example, if intended to transport arelatively small amount of material, wood or plastic may be used. Ofcourse, though additional maintenance may be required, various materialsmay be used regardless of how or where the elevated storage device isintended to be used.

Though shown as rectangular in shape, it is noted that the base 104 mayhave various shapes. For example, the base 104 may have a rounded shapeor a square shape. It is contemplated that the base 104 may be shapedaccording to its intended use in one or more embodiments. For example,if intended to be parked in a parking lot, the base 104 may be arectangular shape corresponding to a parking space. If intended to storefood items of a particular size, the base 104 may be shaped to allow aplurality of such items with little wasted space. It is noted that theshape of the base 104 generally defines the peripheral shape of theelevated storage device (when viewed from above) in one or moreembodiments.

In some embodiments, the base 104 may have a planar top 208 such asshown in FIG. 2A. This allows various types of food items to be placedon the base 104. As will be described further below, FIG. 2C illustratesan exemplary base 104 without a top 208.

The top 208 of the base 104 may include one or more openings 212 in someembodiments. This is illustrated in FIG. 2B where the top 208 has aplurality of square openings 212. The openings 212 allow for ventilationand lighten the overall weight of the base 104 and the elevated storagedevice while allowing the top 208 to support food items. The ventilationmay be desirable for certain food items where circulation of air helpsprevent the rot, mold or bacterial growth, and other degradation of theitems. The openings 212 may also allow any accumulated moisture to drainthrough the bottom of the elevated storage device further preventingdegradation of the food items.

As stated, the openings 212 shown in FIG. 2B are generally square inshape. It is noted that openings 212 of other shapes may be used. Inaddition, the openings 212 may be various sizes. Openings 212 of varioussizes and shapes allow the base 104 to support different food items. Forexample, some food items may undesirably protrude through an opening 212if the opening is too large. In addition, some food items may fallthrough an opening 212. It is contemplated that the openings 212 mayalso be sized and shaped to prevent access to the food items by one ormore insects, rodents, other animals, humans, or other externalelements.

In one or more embodiments, the base 104 may comprise a frame 204 whichforms a rigid structure to which other elements of the elevated storagedevice may be attached. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 2C. Asshown, the frame 204 comprises one or more elongated members whichgenerally form the rectangular structure of the base 104. The frame 204may be formed from rigid materials similar to those described above inone or more embodiments. It will be understood that the frame 204 may beconfigured in various shapes and sizes and formed with various connectedmembers or structures in one or more embodiments.

In embodiments having a top 208, the top may be attached to the frame.It is contemplated that the top 208 may be removably attached in one ormore embodiments to allow tops to be replaced when worn or with othertops better suited for the task at hand. Removable attachment may beaccomplished by one or more fasteners such as but not limited to screws,nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, hook and loop, magnets, or a combinationthereof. It is contemplated that the frame 204 may include one or moreguides such as one or more protrusions or channels which help toproperly locate and secure a top 208 in place. For example, the frame204 may have one or more protrusions which correspond to openings ordepressions on the bottom side of the top 208. Alternatively, or inaddition, the frame 204 may include one or more channels which a top 208may slide into. The top 208 may then be secured in place by one or morescrews, bolts, or other fasteners if desired. Of course, the top 208 maybe suitably secured without additional fasteners in one or moreembodiments.

In one or more embodiments, wheels 108 may be attached to the base 104to allow the elevated storage device to be moved. It is contemplatedthat the elevated storage device may comprise one or more wheels 108such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. Typically, but not always, theelevated storage device will comprise at least two wheels 108. Thisincreases stability of the elevated storage device as it is moved andwhen it is stationary. It is noted however that an elevated storagedevice with one wheel 108 may provide superior maneuverability at thecost of stability.

Various types of wheels 108, now known or later developed, may be usedwith the elevated storage device. For example, automobile, bicycle,motorcycle, and other vehicle wheels may be used with the elevatedstorage device. In one embodiment, a wheel 108 comprises a circular hubor center portion surrounded by a traction portion. For example, thewheel 108 may be a metal hub around which an inflatable rubber or othertire is attached for traction. In another embodiment, a wheel 108 maycomprise a metal traction portion such as in the case of a wagon wheelor train wheel.

The wheel 108 or wheels may be mounted on one or more axles 304 attachedbeneath the base 104 in one or more embodiments. In some embodiments,however, the wheels 108 may be attached on the sides of the base 104such as shown in FIG. 3A. It will be understood that the one or morewheels 108 and axles 304 may be attached at various other locationswhich allow the elevated storage device to move on its wheel(s). Forexample, one or more axles 304 may be mounted above (or below) the base104 in a wheel well or the like in one or more embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, each wheel 108 may have its own axle 304such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C. In other embodiments axles 304 may beshared by a plurality of wheels 108 such as shown in FIG. 3B. An axlemount 312 may be used to secure an axle 304 to the base 104 of anelevated storage device in one or more embodiments. It is contemplatedthat an axle 304 may turn in one or more embodiments to allow one ormore wheels 108 to be steerable.

It is noted that the wheels 108 raise the height of the base 104 suchthat the base does not touch the ground in one or more embodiments. Thisallows food items to be stored at an elevated position above the groundwhich provides protection from vermin rodents, water, dust, dirt,debris, and other external elements which may occur at ground level. Thewheels 108 may thus be various diameters to raise the height of the base104 as desired.

In one or more embodiments, the base 104 of the elevated storage devicemay include a hitch 316. It is noted that a hitch 316 is not requiredand thus may not be provided in all embodiments. It is also noted thatin one or more embodiments, a hitch 316 may be provided as an add-oncomponent. To illustrate, a hitch may be attached to the base 104 of theelevated storage device in FIG. 1.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A-3C, when attached, a hitch 316 generallyprovides a connection point through which a force may be applied to theelevated storage device to move the trailer. For example, the elevatedstorage device may be pulled, pushed, or otherwise moved through itshitch 316. A hitch 316 may also be used to attach a plurality ofelevated storage devices together. In this manner, elevated storagedevices may support one another, be moved together, or both.

A hitch 316 may also increase the stability of the elevated storagedevice when in motion and stationary. For example, one or more hitches316 may be connected to a vehicle or a stationary structure to supportand thus increase the stability of the elevated storage device. In oneor more embodiments, a hitch 316 may be used to secure an elevatedstorage device in place. For example, the hitch 316 may include alocking mechanism which prevents the hitch from being released unlessthe proper key or code is used. In one embodiment, the elevated storagedevice may be locked with a chain and padlock.

This can be seen by the embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3C, which may tiltwhen not connected to a supporting vehicle, structure, or object. As canbe seen, the hitch of these figures is connected to a stationary object308 by a rigid connector 324, such as a metal connector, or a flexibleconnector 320, such as a strap or tie. It is contemplated that aplurality of hitches 316, such as shown in FIG. 3C, may be provided inone or more embodiments to provide additional stability or to spread theload that would ordinarily be borne by a single hitch.

A hitch 316 may be any structure capable that allows a sufficientlystrong physical connection to the elevated storage device. The strengthof the connection may be determined by the load, weight, speed,stability and other characteristics of the elevated storage device whenin use. In one embodiment, the hitch 316 comprises a hole or openingthrough which a screw, bolt, peg, strap, or other structure may beinserted to connect the elevated storage device to another object, suchas a vehicle. In another embodiment, the hitch 316 comprises aprotrusion that may be inserted or held by a portion of another objectto connect the elevated storage device to such object. The hitch 316 maybe various existing devices as well. For example, the hitch 316 may atrailer hitch which allows a connection to a vehicle such as a bicycle,car, truck, or the like. The hitch 316 may also be a harness attachmentpoint which connects to a harness to allow one or more people or animalsto move the elevated storage device.

It is contemplated that one or more handles may be provided in additionto or instead of a hitch in one or more embodiments to allow a person tomove the elevated storage device. In addition, it will be understoodthat the elevated storage device may be pulled, pushed, or otherwisemoved even if it does not include a hitch. For example, the elevatedstorage device may be pushed by its base.

The protective cover 112 may be configured in various ways to protectvarious food items from various external elements. In one or moreembodiments, the protective cover 112 provides a physical barrierbetween external elements and the food items. In general, the protectivecover 112 prevents external elements from reaching food items within theelevated storage device by providing a compartment in which food itemsmay be placed. The compartment may protect food items from alldirections in one or more embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,the protective cover 112 provides a compartment which surrounds a volumeof space on all sides. Food items placed within the compartment wouldthus be protected from all directions. As will be discussed furtherbelow, a protective cover 112 may be attached to the base 104, top, orboth in one or more embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, the protective cover 112 may be formed from one ormore materials capable of providing such a barrier between the externalelements and the food items. In one embodiment, the protective cover 112may be formed from natural or synthetic fabrics or sheets such as butnot limited to plastic, canvas, burlap, nylon, denim, KEVLAR® (trademarkof DuPont), TYVEK® (trademark of DuPont) or a combination thereof. Thesheets will typically, but not always, be flexible. It is contemplatedthat fabric or other sheets may be treated or constructed such that itthey are waterproof. This allows the fabric to prevent water fromreaching the food items.

The protective cover 112 may also be formed from rigid or semi-rigidmaterials and structures as well. For example, the protective cover 112may be formed from materials such as but not limited to wire, wood,metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber, cement board, foam, or a combinationthereof. These materials may be treated or constructed such that theyare waterproof as well.

The protective cover 112 may have one or more layers in one or moreembodiments such as shown in FIG. 4. Each layer may comprise aparticular material. Each layer may also be substantially solid, such asa plastic sheet or fabric, or may have an open configuration such as amesh or web. The one or more layers of a protective cover 112 may beconnected by one or more fasteners or adhesives. In one embodiment, theone or more layers may be sewn together. FIG. 4 shows a portion of anexemplary protective cover 112 having an inner layer 404 and an outerlayer 408. In this embodiment, the inner layer 404 is a fabric materialwhile the outer layer 408 is a mesh. As used herein, the outer oroutermost layer 408 will refer to the layer of a protective cover notcovered by any other layer. It is noted that there may be multiple innerlayers and generally only one outer or outermost layer in one or moreembodiments. It will be understood that a variety of different layersmay be used to form a protective cover 112 in one or more embodiments.

The various layers of a protective cover 112 are advantageous in thateach layer may be configured to protect the food items from one or moreparticular external elements. For example, a fabric layer may be used toprotect from rain, humidity, wind, and UV light. A foam or otherinsulating layer may be used to protect from harmful temperatures. Awire or other mesh layer may be used to protect from physical damagecaused by objects, animals, or people.

The protective cover 112 may be configured in various shapes and sizes.In one embodiment, the protective cover 112 has a triangular shape suchas shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. This is advantageous in that the slanted shapeof the protective cover 112 helps shed water, dust, and other externalelements that may come into contact with the protective cover. Inaddition, the slanted shape prevents rain, snow, and the like fromaccumulating and potentially causing the protective cover 112 to sag orbreak. Of course, the protective cover 112 may come in other shapes aswell. For example, the protective cover 112 may be rectangular,circular, semi-circular, round, or other shapes.

A portion of the protective cover 112 may be removable or may beconfigured to open to allow food items to be placed inside and removedfrom the elevated storage device. FIG. 5A shows a protective cover 112with its front portion open. It is noted that a protective cover 112 maybe configured to open in various ways.

In one or more embodiments, the protective cover 112 may have a portionheld closed by, and thus may be opened through, one or more fasteners512. As shown in FIG. 5A, fasteners 512 generally border the opening atthe front portion of the protective cover 112 to allow the protectivecover to be opened and closed. Various types of fasteners 512 may beused, including but not limited to, one or more zippers, buttons, snaps,hook and loop, or other fasteners, or a combination thereof to allow aportion of the protective cover 112 to be opened. As shown in FIG. 1,for example, a hook and loop fastener 120 is used to allow theprotective cover 112 to be opened. In one embodiment, a fastener 512 maybe locked to prevent the protective cover 112 from being opened withoutauthorization. For example, a combination lock, padlock, or other lockmay be used with a fastener 512 to prevent the fastener from beingopened without a key or code. In one embodiment, a lock is used toprevent the slider of a zipper from moving thus preventing unauthorizedopening.

Generally, opening the protective cover 112 includes opening a portionof each layer of the protective cover by undoing one or more fasteners512. It is contemplated that each layer may have its own fasteners 512.For example, each layer may have its own zipper. It is also contemplatedthat the layers may share one or more fasteners 512. For example,multiple layers of the protective cover may be sewn or otherwiseattached to a single zipper or other fastener 512. It is contemplatedthat the protective cover 112 may include one or more hinges to allowthe protective cover to be opened.

When desired, the protective cover 112 may be closed as shown in FIG.5B. In this manner, food items may be protected on all sides fromexternal elements. The protective cover 112 may be closed by using theone or more fasteners 512 to secure the previously opened portion of theprotective cover such that it is closed. For example, one or morezippers may be zipped to secure a previously opened portion of aprotective cover.

The protective cover 112 may have a bottom portion 504 in one or moreembodiments. In this way, the protective cover 112 may wrap around thebottom of the food items to protect the food items from all directions.In use, food items may be placed within the protective cover 112 on thebottom portion 504 of the protective cover. The base 104 may support thebottom portion 504 to prevent the bottom portion from sagging orbreaking. It is noted that, in one or more embodiments, the protectivecover 112 may not have a bottom portion 504 as the base of the elevatedstorage device may protect the bottom of the food items.

It is contemplated that in embodiments without a bottom portion 504,food items may be placed on the base of an elevated storage device andthe protected by lowering a protective cover 112 over the food items. Inthese embodiments, the protective cover 112 does not need to beconfigured to open as it may be lifted off the base of the elevatedstorage device to allow one or more food items to be placed or removedin the elevated storage device.

In one or more embodiments, the protective cover 112 may be rigid orsemi-rigid to allow it to hold its shape. One or more of layers of aprotective cover 112 may configured to support the weight of theprotective cover 112 allowing it to hold a shape. For example, theprotective covers 112 of FIGS. 5A-5B include a wire or other mesh layerwhich allow the protective covers 112 to hold their triangular shapes.

In addition, or alternatively, a protective cover 112 may be supportedby a skeleton 508 which allows or helps a protective cover 112 hold itsshape. Generally, the skeleton 508 will be a rigid or semi-rigidstructure capable of holding the shape of the protective cover 112. Theskeleton 508 may comprise one or more elongated members in someembodiments. It will be understood that any suitably rigid material maybe used to form the skeleton including but not limited to metal,plastic, wood, allows, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or a combinationthereof. The skeleton 508 may be attached to the base of an elevatedstorage device by one or more fasteners including but not limited tonuts, bolts, screws, pins, clamps, clips, or a combination thereof. Theskeleton 508 may also be welded to the base in some embodiments. It iscontemplated that the skeleton 508 may not be attached to the base andinstead be held to the base by a protective cover 112 which is attachedto the base.

The protective cover 112 may be configured to generally conform to theshape of the skeleton 508 allowing the protective cover to be secured tothe skeleton without fasteners and to take the shape of the skeleton. Ofcourse, the protective cover 112 may also be secured by one or morefasteners if desired. For example, the protective cover 112 may be sewn,screwed, welded, tied, or otherwise attached to its skeleton 508. Theskeleton 508 may be configured in various shapes to give the protectivecover 112 various shapes. For instance, in FIG. 5C, the skeleton 508 isa triangular shape.

It is contemplated that the protective cover 112 may be removable in oneor more embodiments. In these embodiments, a protective cover 112 may bereplaced because it is worn or damaged, or may be replaced with aprotective cover 112 better suited for the food items and externalelements at hand. In general, the protective cover 112 may be maderemovable by utilizing one or more removable fasteners to attach theprotective cover. For example, one or more nuts, bolts, screws, hook andloop fasteners, zippers, clips, clamps, ties, or a combination thereofmay be used to attach the protective cover 112 to the base or top of anelevated storage device, a skeleton 508, or a combination thereof. Thesefasteners may then be removed to allow the protective cover 112 to beremoved and replaced. It will be understood that the base, top, orskeleton 508 of the elevated storage device may include one or moreattachment points such as but not limited to threaded or other holes,hooks, loops, or a combination thereof to allow the protective cover 112to be more easily attached thereto. It will be understood that theprotective cover 112 may be attached by fasteners which may not beremovable or easily removable such as welds and adhesives in one or moreembodiments.

In one or more embodiments, an elevated storage device may include aconveyer system to allow for rapid loading and unloading of food items.FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an elevated storagedevice including a conveyer system 604. It will be understood that theelevated storage device may be used with various other conveyer systems604 in one or more embodiments.

As shown, the conveyer system 604 comprises a conveyer belt 608supported by a plurality of rollers 612. The conveyer system 604 may bepowered by a motor in one or more embodiments. It is contemplated thatthe elevated storage device may include its own power source to powerthe motor or that external power may be used such as power from a walloutlet, vehicle, or an engine. Food items may be placed on the conveyersystem 604 and moved by the conveyer system toward or away from theelevated storage device.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a conveyer system 604 that may extend andretract. This allows the conveyer system 604 to be stowed away such thatit is unobtrusive. This is illustrated by FIG. 6A which shows a conveyersystem 604 retracted beneath the base 104 of the elevated storagedevice. The conveyer system 604 may then extend when needed such asshown in FIG. 6B.

It is contemplated that, once extended, the conveyer system 604 may alsotilt upwards and downwards relative to the elevated storage device. Forexample, the conveyer system 604, or a portion thereof, may be attachedto the base of an elevated storage device by a swiveling or rotatinghinge type structure. In this manner, the conveyer system 604 may bepointed towards an external object allowing food items to beconveniently loaded and unloaded from various locations outside theelevated storage device. For example, the conveyer system 604 may berotated towards the bed of a truck or other vehicle. In this way, fooditems may be easily placed on the conveyer system 604 directly from thetruck, or vice versa.

FIG. 6C is a front cross section view of the elevated storage deviceillustrating exemplary guides 616 attached to the base 104 of anelevated storage device which allow a conveyer system 604 to extend andretract. The guides 616 are generally formed as channels in thisembodiment. The conveyer system 604 may include one or more extensions620 which extend outward from the sides of the conveyer system. It iscontemplated that the extensions 620 may extend outward from one or moreof the rollers in some embodiments. The extensions 620 may be insertedinto the guides 616 as shown in FIG. 6C. In this manner, the conveyersystem 604 may slide along the guides 616 by their extensions 620.

The conveyer system 604 may be extended such as by pulling the conveyersystem outward from the elevated storage device along the guides 616.Once extended, a set of extensions 612 may remain within the guides 616.In this manner, the conveyer system 604 may rotate about the extensions612 within the guides 616 to be tilted upwards or downwards if desired.It is contemplated that various mechanisms may be used to allow theconveyer system 604 to extend and retract. In embodiments without aconveyer system 604, it is contemplated that one or more structures maybe provided on the base 104 of the elevated storage device to allow aconveyer system 604 to be conveniently attached.

As stated above the elevated storage device provides both storage andtransport for food items. It can be seen that the elevated storagedevice's protective cover and other components protect food items fromexternal elements thus allowing food items to be safely stored forvarious periods of time. In one or more embodiments, the elevatedstorage device allows food items to be stored outside without anyadditional covering or protection.

It is contemplated that a plurality of elevated storage devices may beused to store large quantities of food items. The elevated storagedevices may be organized, such as in one or more rows or columns, toallow for convenient access to the food items. This allows the elevatedstorage devices to provide mobile protected storage to a large quantityof food items. In this manner, a plurality of elevated storage devicesmay be used instead of more expensive storage apparatuses. For example,a plurality of elevated storage devices may be used instead of awarehouse building or the like. The elevated storage devices may thusprovide the benefit of reduced cost. This is especially so whenconsidering that the elevated storage devices may be parked of leftoutdoors in any lot or area. The elevated storage devices may also beconnected to one or more stationary objects by their hitches to preventthem from moving or being moved while storing food items.

When needed, food items may be removed from the elevated storagedevices, such as by removing or opening their protective covers.Alternatively, the elevated storage devices may be disconnected from anystationary object they may be hitched to and moved to a deliverylocation where the food items are desired. Once at the desired locationthe food items may be removed from the elevated storage devices.

It can thus be seen that the elevated storage devices also provide thebenefit of allowing food items to be quickly moved to other locations.In most cases, the elevated storage device need only be connected to avehicle, animal, person, or other mechanism and the pulled, pushed, orotherwise moved to the desired location.

Referring to FIG. 1, the elevated storage device may be used to storeand transport food items in various ways. In one embodiment, theprotective cover 112 may be opened such as by releasing one or morefasteners. In FIG. 1, for example, a hook and loop fastener 120 may bereleased to open the protective cover. Once open, one or more food itemsmay be placed inside the protective cover 112. The food items willtypically have to be lifted or otherwise moved to the elevated positionof the protective cover 112 to allow them to be placed inside theprotective cover. As can be seen from FIG. 5A, food items may be placedon a bottom portion 504 of the protective cover 112 which may besupported or reinforced by the base 104 of the elevated storage device.

Once the desired food items have been placed, the protective cover 112may be closed such as shown in FIG. 5B. In one or more embodiments,closing the protective cover 112 includes closing or reconnecting one ormore fasteners. For example, the fasteners 512 of FIG. 5B or the hookand loop fastener 120 of FIG. 1 may be reconnected to close theprotective cover 112. The elevated storage device may then be left inposition or may be moved to deliver the food items. In any case, theelevated storage device protects the food items during storage andtransport. When desired, the protective cover 112 may be opened, such asdescribed above, and the food items removed.

It is contemplated that the elevated storage device may be used to loadand unload food items to and from other vehicles. For example, one ormore elevated storage devices may be moved to a train, plane, boat,truck, or other vehicle and the food items in the elevated storagedevices may be transferred to these vehicles for further transport. Inaddition, food items may be transferred from these vehicles to one ormore elevated storage devices for safe storage. The elevated storagedevices may then be moved to an individual's or entity's property orother location if desired while the food items remain protected in theelevated storage device.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

1. An elevated storage device comprising: a base comprising a rigidframe; a closed compartment attached to the base, the closed compartmentcomprising: a triangular skeleton; and a protective cover around thetriangular skeleton, the protective cover comprising one or more layersof material; one or more axles attached to the base; one or more wheelsattached to the one or more axles; and at least one hitch attached tothe base.
 2. The elevated storage device of claim 1, wherein theprotective cover comprises an inner and outer layer, the inner layerbeing a flexible layer and the outer layer being a rigid mesh layer. 3.The elevated storage device of claim 1, wherein the protective covercomprises an inner and outer layer, the inner layer being a fabric layerand the outer layer being a wire mesh layer.
 4. The elevated storagedevice of claim 1, wherein the protective cover comprises at least oneinsulating layer.
 5. The elevated storage device of claim 1, wherein theprotective cover comprises an opening to allow access to the closedcompartment for loading and unloading food items.
 6. An elevated storagedevice comprising: a skeleton; a protective cover around the skeleton,the protective cover comprising one or more layers of material; a baseconfigured to support the skeleton and the protective cover whereby atleast a portion of the protective cover is between the skeleton and thebase; one or more axles attached to the base; one or more wheelsattached to the one or more axles; and at least one hitch attached tothe base.
 7. The elevated storage device of claim 6, wherein theskeleton is triangular in shape.
 8. The elevated storage device of claim6, wherein the skeleton is semicircular in shape.
 9. The elevatedstorage device of claim 6, wherein the protective cover has an openingto allow one or more food items to be placed on the base of the elevatedstorage device.
 10. The elevated storage device of claim 6, wherein theprotective cover comprises a fabric layer and a rigid mesh layer. 11.The elevated storage device of claim 6, wherein the protective covercomprises a waterproof layer and a rigid mesh layer.
 12. The elevatedstorage device of claim 6, wherein the protective cover comprises aninsulating layer and a rigid mesh layer.
 13. The elevated storage deviceof claim 6, wherein the protective cover comprises an outermost layer,the outermost layer being a wire mesh layer.
 14. The elevated storagedevice of claim 6 further comprising: one or more guides comprising oneor more channels, the one or more guides attached below the base; and aconveyer system comprising a plurality of rollers and a conveyer belt,the conveyer system retained in the one or more channels of the one ormore guides.
 15. A method for storing and transporting food itemscomprising: providing access to an interior portion of a protectivecover by opening one or more layers of the protective cover, theprotective cover attached on a base of an elevated storage device;moving one or more food items to an elevated position corresponding tothe base of the elevated storage device; placing one or more food itemswithin the interior portion of the protective cover whereby the one ormore food items are placed on top of at least a portion of theprotective cover and the base; and closing the one or more layers of theprotective cover such that the one or more food items are surrounded bythe protective cover.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein opening theone or more layers of the protective cover comprises opening a rigidmesh layer of the protective cover and a flexible layer of theprotective cover.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein opening the one ormore layers of the protective cover comprises opening a wire mesh layerof the protective cover and a fabric layer of the protective cover. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein opening the one or more layers of theprotective cover comprises opening an insulating layer of the protectivecover.
 19. The method of claim 15 further comprising: attaching a hitchof the elevated storage device to a vehicle; moving the elevated storagedevice to a delivery location with the vehicle; opening one or morelayers of the protective cover to access the one or more food items; andremoving the one or more food items.
 20. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising: removing the protective cover from a supporting skeleton;inserting the skeleton into a new protective cover comprising at leastone distinct layer whereby the at least one distinct layer is differentfrom one or more of the one or more layers of the protective cover; andattaching the new protective cover to the base of the elevated storagedevice.